you've broken your own record. I'll turn over a new leaf; I will, I'll
be a new man. Why not? We've the new woman; why not the new man?
Excellent idea. Rembrandt Tempenny, the new man--the coming man--by
George the GREAT man! I'm in earnest, I'm in a fever. I bubble over
with noble resolutions. I wish the tradespeople didn't want
cash--tradespeople who want cash are so damping to noble resolutions!
(_Gets out Easel and canvas, and takes off coat_.)
(_Door in Flat is kicked open. Enter_ ROBERT ADDISON.)
ROBERT ADDISON.
Hullo!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Hullo!
ROBERT ADDISON.
How are you, old chap?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I'm the new man.
ROBERT ADDISON.
The devil you are! What does it feel like?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Unfamiliar--like somebody's else's boots. I say, dear boy, can you lend
me a couple of thick 'uns.
ROBERT ADDISON.
Eh?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
It's for the tradespeople.
ROBERT ADDISON.
Oh really--on principle you know--I never pay tradespeople.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, it's for my wife.
ROBERT ADDISON.
I warned you not to marry. Now you see how right I was--she wants two
thick 'uns.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I know it's rough on you.
ROBERT ADDISON.
It is. I'm a sociable chap by nature, and I'm rapidly being left
without a friend to bless myself with.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I don't grasp!
ROBERT ADDISON.
They all borrow my money, and then they say they're out the next time I
call.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I have got a big thing on, only temporarily I'm in a hole.
ROBERT ADDISON.
I never knew a fellow in a hole who hadn't a big thing on. What is it?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
The hole?
ROBERT ADDISON.
No, the big thing--the stable tip?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
It's nothing to do with the turf. Look here, Schercl--you know Schercl?
ROBERT ADDISON.
I know him.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
He gave me a commission for a picture six weeks ago; he's going to pay
three hundred for it. He advanced a century when I accepted the offer.
ROBERT ADDISON.
They are wonderful terms, Tempenny, for _you_.
|